H After switching to a Japanese license, methods to acquire Medium Vehicle License, Large Vehicle License, Class 2 License, etc., necessary for driving trucks, taxis, and buses in Japan.

After converting to a Japanese regular or semi-medium license, you can obtain other licenses such as a medium license, etc.

Tekuno Driving School（テクノ自動車学校） supports the acquisition of necessary licenses for driving trucks, taxis, and buses, including switching foreign licenses, on-road driving, Medium License, Large License, and Class 2 License!

To obtain and drive a large license or second-class license in Japan by converting a foreign license, it is common to convert your foreign license to a Japanese regular or semi-medium license, confirm that you meet conditions such as driving experience, and enroll in a driving school to obtain the license. (There is also a method to obtain it by converting a foreign license again after obtaining a Japanese license.)

It is recommended to observe traffic conditions, including passenger presence, before driving in Japan.

Tekuno Driving School（テクノ自動車学校） offers a series of license acquisition processes from rewriting Japanese driving licenses to on-road driving practice and obtaining Medium Licenses under certain conditions.

※For switching to a higher license, please consult separately.

We aim to improve the rights and ensure the safety and security of foreign workers in Japan’s driving, construction, and manufacturing industries, offering consultation services for a comfortable life in Japanese society. Please feel free to consult us.

※1 If you visit Tekuno Driving School（テクノ自動車学校）, we will make a reservation for you(interpreter will accompany).
※2 After the foreign license conversion, road practice will be conducted at Techo Driving School.
※3 To acquire a higher-class, a driving history is required for some licenses.

※1. For a medium license, you need at least 2 years of driving experience equivalent to a regular or semi-medium foreign license.
For a large license or second-class license, you need at least 3 years of driving experience equivalent to a regular or semi-medium foreign license.
No driving experience is required to obtain a semi-medium license.
※2. For those who have newly obtained a regular license in Japan, 2 or 3 years of driving experience in Japan is required.
※3. Depending on the type of license and driving history, a conversion may be possible. (Skills confirmation is required)

I Attention points for the practical driving test for switching foreign licenses at the driving test center

Actual driving actions that could result in a traffic accident or pose a risk, or actions that may inconvenience other traffic, leading to test failure.

Actions leading to immediate failure due to extremely dangerous driving

※If driving operations are not reliable, and the speed and method do not avoid inconvenience to the road, surrounding traffic, other vehicles’ situations, etc., and the examiner has to assist (handle, brake, etc.), it will also result in failure.

Actions Resulting in Major Deductions (20 Points)

Actions Resulting in Easy Deductions (10 Points)

Actions Resulting in Easy Deductions (5 Points)

The practical driving test is scored on a demerit point system starting from 100 points, with a pass mark of 70 points.
Deductions are made in increments of 5, 10, and 20 points, with more dangerous driving actions receiving larger deductions.

J After switching to a Japanese license, there are aspects of Japan’s driving license system that, if unknown, could lead to issues.

In Japan’s driving license system, only safe drivers and vehicles are permitted to drive on the roads, and there are systems in place for regular checks.
Violations can lead not only to fines but also to the revocation of the driving license, so it’s wise to study up in advance.

1. Japan’s driving license operates on a point system.
This system aims to exclude high-risk drivers from the road by assigning points for traffic violations and accidents over the past three years. If the total points reach a certain threshold, the driver’s license can be suspended or revoked.
Minor offenses carry 1 to 3 points, while serious offenses are penalized with 6 to 25 points.
Even more severe violations, such as drunk driving or hit-and-run, receive 35 to 62 points.

This could result in job loss for those who drive professionally.

Standard Points for Penalties

For general violations

For specific violations

※ The number of prior offenses refers to the number of times a license has been suspended, held, etc., within the last three years.
※ The date of the offense is the starting point for the denial or holding of a license.
※ The figures in parentheses indicate the disqualification period if the license is canceled or denied again within 5 years after the end of the disqualification period.

1. 2. New Driver Period System

   • ・If your driving history is less than 1 year when switching to a standard car license, you will be subject to the new driver period under Japanese road traffic laws. Repeated minor traffic violations may require you to attend a new driver training course.
   • ・Failure to attend this course or continuing to violate after attending can result in the cancellation of your driving license.

   ※ Displaying the beginner driver’s mark during this period is mandatory.

2. 3. Restrictions on Two-Person Riding on Motorcycles

   • ・When driving a motorized bicycle with a standard car driving license, two-person riding is prohibited.
     

     Also, for ordinary motorcycles, two-person riding is not allowed unless the motorcycle license history is over 1 year.

   • ・For two-person riding on highways, a license history of 3 years is required.
   • ・Motorcycles with a total displacement of 125cc or less are not allowed on highways.
   • ・If the driving history overseas (based on the submitted documents) is less than 3 years, that duration will be displayed on the back of the driving license.

3. 4. Training System

   • ・Serious traffic violations or accidents may lead to suspension or cancellation of the driving license, preventing license acquisition for a certain period.
   • ・If the driving license is suspended, you must undergo a violator’s training course.
   • ・If the driving license is canceled, you cannot obtain a license for a certain period. Once eligible, you must undergo necessary training to reacquire it.

4. 5. Driving License Renewal System

   • ・The driving license’s basic validity period lasts until the third birthday after acquisition. You must renew the driving license before its expiration by attending the required training course to continue driving.
   • ・If you maintain a period without accidents or violations, your license status will change from “green” to “blue” to “gold,” qualifying you as an excellent driver (with a validity period of 3 to a maximum of 5 years).

5. 6. Insurance Enrollment and Vehicle Inspection System

   • ・As a responsibility of driving, you are liable for compensating any damages caused to people or property.
   • ・When driving in Japan, it is advised to enroll in compulsory insurance (such as Liability Insurance Mutual Aid) and, additionally, voluntary insurance for coverage of property damage accidents.
   • ・Vehicle inspections are mandated by law, and neglecting regular inspections and checks annually or as required can result in the vehicle being unfit for driving.